culture

38th Doha Theatre Festival Showcases Amateur Groups Starting July 19

The 38th Doha Theatre Festival opens July 19 with performances by amateur groups supported by the Theatre Affairs Center.

By Doha Culture Desk · Published July 18, 2026

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The 38th Doha Theatre Festival opens on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and runs for four days with performances by amateur theatre groups. Organized by the Theatre Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture, the event provides a platform for local performers to present work in established venues across the city.

Amateur Groups Take Center Stage

The festival focuses on amateur theatre, aligning with efforts by the Theatre Affairs Center to develop local talent through annual events. The center was established by the Ministry of Culture in 2016 and continues to organize festivals that support Qatar's theatrical scene. Amateur clubs contribute to this activity, including the Doha Players, Qatar's oldest English-speaking amateur theatre club formed in 1954.

Venues Hosting Local Performances

Performances occur at named theatres such as the 2,300-seat Al Mayassa Theatre at the Qatar National Convention Centre, the 980-seat Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre, and the 490-seat Qatar National Theater owned by the Ministry of Culture. Additional spaces include the 430-seat indoor theatre at Katara Cultural Village and the 980-capacity Al Rayyan Theatre at Souq Waqif, also known as Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre.

The Doha Players, which owns its own venue, is preparing a separate '70 Years of Theatre Gala' scheduled for September 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. This event marks the club's history while newer amateur groups prepare for the July festival.

Next Steps for Audiences

Residents and visitors can attend the festival starting July 19 to see amateur performances directly. Details on specific shows and tickets are available through the Ministry of Culture and the Theatre Affairs Center channels.

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